Newcastle United are not interested in Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli.

A report from Winnersports emerged on Thursday suggesting that the Magpies had lodged a bid with the Reds to take the Italian on loan.

It is believed that Steve McClaren has been eyeing a move for Balotelli who struggled in his first season at Anfield after arriving from AC Milan for £16million last summer.

Quotes from a source said: "Balotelli may not be to be everyone's liking but when he is on his day he is a top player and McClaren believes he can get the best out of him."

However, the Daily Star suggests that McClaren, or managing director Lee Charnley, is not keen on the 24-year old and have no intention of pursuing a deal temporary or otherwise.

The former Inter Milan and Manchester City forward scored just four goals in 28 appearances for Liverpool last season including one in 16 Premier League outings.